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Coach Jim Caldwell said as much today in his news conference about Tulloch, once a stalwart tackling machine in the middle who signed a $25.5-million, five-year deal with the Lions in 2012.

"I think he ended up playing about 44 plays in the last game, something like that," Caldwell said. "But the fact of the matter is that I don't care who it is, I don't care what position, it could be an offensive lineman that's playing a package tight end or a receiver that's the fourth guy that only gets in on certain plays. They all want to play and they don't want to come off the field; that's the makeup of these guys in terms of their mentality.

"So you wouldn't expect anyone that's playing any kind of a role a little bit differently than what they played before to be absolutely happy about it. But he's a great role player and he's a great leader and he's certainly reacting the way in which you would expect."

Exactly 364 days after Tulloch tore his anterior cruciate ligament against the Green Bay Packers, he was essentially demoted in Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Tulloch's 44 defensive snaps accounted for just 68% of the defensive plays. He also did not wear the helmet with a radio communicator to act as the quarterback of the defense. Linebacker Josh Bynes, who played 100% of the defense snaps, wore the radio helmet.

Tulloch, 30, struggled while playing 97% of the snaps Week 1 against San Diego. When his snaps were reduced in Week 2, he looked better against the Vikings.

Whether Tulloch returns to form or continues his reduced role on the team remains to be seen. But he did at get a vote of confidence today from defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who said he doesn't believe Tulloch's role has changed.